I am just back from my first destination wedding, from the Dominican Republic. We had a great trip, and I am happy with the results of the wedding, however upon leaving the DR, my AA's were removed from my bag.... "Batteries no can fly". Now, I was able to take the batteries there, why can't I bring them back? My bag was inspected by hand when leaving the USA, and nothing was said about the batteries at that point, so why was it an issue coming home?
Do other destination photographers have the same issue? If so, do you buy AA's at the location, or can you put them in your checked bag?
Thanks for your responses, I appreciate the help!
-Mike
I was thinking that might be the case.... I had 4 packs of rechargeable Duracell's that were taken, and 16 standard Energizer AA's that were in a different pocket that were not seen, therefore not taken. My wife's bag had 5 packs of rechargeable Duracell's also not taken. Guess it was just my luck... To bad they were all charged and ready to go too. I would have been happier if they were at least dead, better yet if they would have been the alkaline batteries, as those are MUCH cheaper.
Poseidon wrote:
I agree, but what other explanation can there be?
well gee, could it be that there's a rule against traveling with batteries and this agent happened to be doing his/her job? Effective January 1, 2008, you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage.
ksmahgrts wrote:
well gee, could it be that there's a rule against traveling with batteries and this agent happened to be doing his/her job? Effective January 1, 2008, you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage.
hfillmore wrote:
No malice assumed. My statement simply portrays a common way that things are done in the DR, regardless of the validity of this particular situation.
Works that way in Chicago too. At least it did until they started searching the TSA employees as they left work...No malice assumed...just greed.
RedWhiteandRed wrote:
This view point and belief is wrong. It is wrong on many levels and a dangerous opening of you happen to live in a glass house.
By your "glass house" reference, I take it to mean that I am "throwing stones". Not at all. I'm not even accusing the agent in question of doing something "wrong". Would it be "wrong" for the agent in question to use his position to take batteries for his kids toy? Wrong in your view perhaps. But what may seem wrong to you, is simply a happy state of life in other countries. It's simply the way things are done.
I've done business in the DR and similar countries. Accuracy as to whether or not the agent did, in fact, take the batteries for his kid's toys aside, my simple statement is, in fact, reflective of common occurances in the DR. It's typical of the way things are done. My statement may not match your view of what is fair, fashionable, or politically correct. It just reflects a fact of life in the DR, and countries of similar cultures.
hfillmore wrote:
By your "glass house" reference, I take it to mean that I am "throwing stones". Not at all. I'm not even accusing the agent in question of doing something "wrong". Would it be "wrong" for the agent in question to use his position to take batteries for his kids toy? Wrong in your view perhaps. But what may seem wrong to you, is simply a happy state of life in other countries. It's simply the way things are done.
I've done business in the DR and similar countries. Accuracy as to whether or not the agent did, in fact, take the batteries for his kid's toys aside, my simple statement is, in fact, reflective of common occurances in the DR. It's typical of the way things are done. My statement may not match your view of what is fair, fashionable, or politically correct. It just reflects a fact of life in the DR, and countries of similar cultures. ...Show more →
Your supposition is prejudice and mired in a rather odd viewpoint. The hasty and false generalization you draw is naive and humorous.
ksmahgrts wrote:
well gee, could it be that there's a rule against traveling with batteries and this agent happened to be doing his/her job? Effective January 1, 2008, you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage.
even if this agent was incorrectly interpreting the TSA guidelines for batteries, it's completely unnecessary to assume malice.
ugh.
Okay, these were NOT lithium batteries, they were NiMH, and they were not loose, they were in a plastic case. I agree that he may have been wrong in his decision, but then why would he have not taken ALL the batteries in my bag, or my wife's bag, or the next bag
After spending some time in the DR, I think the gent who suggested they went home to the kids may be correct.... That country has some REAL economic issues, and they are very laid back in RULES in general, one trip down the "highway" will confirm that theory.
